Personal injury cases can take months—or even years—to reach a settlement. During that time, plaintiffs often face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and everyday expenses. Pre-settlement funding offers a financial lifeline, giving you access to cash before your case resolves. But not everyone automatically qualifies. If you’re wondering whether you’re eligible, here’s a clear breakdown of what lenders look for when reviewing personal injury claims.
What Is Pre-Settlement Funding?
Pre-settlement funding (sometimes called “lawsuit funding” or “plaintiff cash advances”) is not a traditional loan. Instead, it’s a non-recourse advance against your expected settlement. That means repayment only occurs if you win or settle your case—if you lose, you owe nothing. Because of this structure, funding companies carefully evaluate your claim before approving an advance.
Key Factors That Determine Eligibility
1. You Must Have a Valid Personal Injury Claim
Funding companies typically work only with plaintiffs who have a strong legal case. Common qualifying personal injury cases include:
- Auto accidents
- Slip and fall incidents
- Workplace injuries
- Medical malpractice
- Product liability
The stronger and more clearly documented your case, the higher your chance of approval.
2. You Must Be Represented by an Attorney
To qualify for pre-settlement funding, you need a licensed attorney representing you on a contingency basis. This ensures your case is being handled professionally and increases the likelihood of a fair settlement. The funding company will also communicate directly with your lawyer to review case details.
3. Liability Must Be Clear
The clearer the fault and liability in your case, the more confident a funding company will be in advancing money. For example, if you were rear-ended at a stoplight with clear police and medical reports, your case is likely stronger than one with disputed facts.
4. The Defendant’s Ability to Pay
Another factor is whether the defendant (or their insurance company) has the ability to pay a settlement or judgment. If coverage limits are high, or if the defendant has significant resources, your chances of qualifying improve.
5. The Expected Settlement Amount
The size of your potential settlement plays a role in how much funding you can qualify for. While every case is different, most companies advance only a portion of your expected recovery to ensure repayment won’t exhaust your final settlement.
What You Don’t Need to Qualify
Unlike traditional loans, there are no credit checks, employment verifications, or personal guarantees with pre-settlement funding. Approval is based solely on the strength of your personal injury case—not your financial history.
The Application Process
Qualifying for pre-settlement funding is usually quick and straightforward:
- Apply online or by phone with your case details.
- Your attorney provides supporting documents to the funding company.
- The case is reviewed, focusing on liability, damages, and potential recovery.
- Approval and funding—if approved, you could receive money in as little as 24–48 hours.
Why Work With Plaintiff’s Litigation Funding?
At Plaintiff’s Litigation Funding, we specialize in helping personal injury plaintiffs get the support they need while waiting for their cases to resolve. Our process is fast, transparent, and stress-free:
- No upfront fees or hidden costs
- Funding in as little as 24 hours once approved
- Non-recourse advances—repay only if you win
If you’re struggling with bills while your case moves forward, pre-settlement funding can give you the financial stability you deserve.